The former Juventus captain analyzed the Old Lady's performance at the Bernabeu: "Something's not right."
"The match was tough and very tactical. Both teams weren't in top form, but they played quite well. Juve had several opportunities to score and win the game, defended well, and didn't give Real Madrid too much. They have Vinicius's talent, Bellingham's eye for goal... these are things you can't teach." This was Alessandro Del Piero, a correspondent for CBS Sport at the Bernabeu, after the Champions League match between Real Madrid and Juventus. "Real Madrid tend to have more possession. Juve had their chances; if you waste them, you feel like the game will become more difficult. But Real Madrid did more. If the situation had been reversed, they wouldn't have wasted so many opportunities. In games like these, you need players who create something magical, like Vinicius," added the former Juventus captain.
The Performance
Fears of a possible rout were quickly allayed. It's true, the Old Lady leaves Madrid with zero points, but they're aware of having put in a good performance and, at times, even playing on par with the Blancos' champions. And not everyone expected it, not even Del Piero: "I was still in shock from what I saw in Como, so I was worried. It's never easy to play at the Bernabeu, but I saw the team fight. You can't change everything in a day; it's a process that takes time. Their motivation? When you play these types of games, you don't need to motivate the players: it's in other games like the one against Como that I expect something different," he explained.
Juve and Tudor's Problems
The former Juventus number 10 analyzed the Bianconeri's overall situation: "Juve is looking for something, it's not yet clear what. There have been many changes, we know what happened at the end of last season and during the summer: Tudor honestly wasn't the first option, we all know that. New players have arrived, the team was coming from a disastrous situation on and off the pitch. There's constantly something wrong." Concern is evident in Del Piero's words, who partly understands Tudor's difficulties: "He's trying his best, but he still hasn't found a starting eleven. He has many options to try to involve everyone, but an identity hasn't been created, and that's what Juve lacks now."
Bellingham's Comments
Del Piero had the opportunity to interview Jude Bellingham, scorer of the game-winning goal: "It's been a while since my last goal, and I'm happy to have it back against a great team. We could have scored more, but the important thing was the three points and keeping a clean sheet," said the Englishman, who then spoke about the previous two seasons under Ancelotti: "In my first year, we played in many different ways because he adapts very well to the players. I don't know what changed last year, but I still scored a lot. There were good moments, but not like in my first year. Then came the new coach and the shoulder operation, and now I'm trying to get back on track."
Mbappé, a gift to Del Piero
Del Piero concluded his surgery by proudly showing off the jersey Kylian Mbappé gave him after the final whistle. Real Madrid's French phenomenon, who played a great match yesterday despite failing to find the back of the net, donated his kit to Alex, complete with a personal dedication and autograph. A great gift, from one champion to another.
Del Piero, Juve's attitude
Del Piero had this to say before the match: "You have to bring everything you can onto the pitch. You don't need to pump up the team because these are matches that prepare themselves. Sometimes that fire in your heart is missing. You have to have the desire to do something more, and I'm speaking generally, not just about the players. The situation we're experiencing today is the same as last year, and I'm concerned that there's a sort of repetitiveness because even in Como you have to have a different attitude. I feel like I should broaden my tactical and physical vision to include this desire and fire that you need every time you step onto the pitch. Juve needs players and everyone at the club who thinks like this."
Yildiz with the number 10 and captain
Obviously, a comment was also made about the quality of Real Madrid's players: "In this stadium, with the champions they have, sometimes 10-15 minutes are enough. Juve must be precise and play at their highest level to emerge strong tonight. We must be confident enough to say, 'We're here,' and from now on, we can win against anyone. These are matches that have allowed us to bounce back in the past, although unfortunately, I see it the other way." Finally, an opinion on Yildiz with the number 10 and captain's armband: "I would have told him he deserved it and to play great because he has a sense of responsibility. We need to free up his shoulders a little to give him some freedom."